Bobi, the world’s oldest known dog ever, passed away last week at an animal hospital in Portugal, Guinness World Records announced Monday.
“Bobi lived to be 31 years 165 days old and spent his entire life with his loving owner Leonel Costa and his family in the Portuguese village of Conqueiros,” the record-keeping company said in a news release.
Bobi was recognized as the oldest dog ever known in February, just two weeks after a 23-year-old Chihuahua named Spike tried to claim the title. His death leaves Ohio-born Spike as the oldest known living dog.
In dog years, Bobi was roughly 86 years old. He was a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, a Portuguese breed of farm and guardian dog with a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.
His age was confirmed by his 1992 registration with a veterinary medical service in Leiria, Portugal, and with a Portuguese government-owned pet database, Guinness said.
Bobi was born in a litter of four puppies; the three others were put down by owner Leonel Costa’s parents because the farm already had too many animals.
“At that time it was considered normal by older people … to bury the animals in a hole so that they would not survive,” Leonel said in an interview with Guinness.
Costa said he hid Bobi from his parents after he discovered that the dog had escaped his siblings’ fate by hiding in a stack of wood. When Costa’s parents found out, it was too late to put Bobi down.
Costa said Bobi was never tied up or leashed, drank plenty of water and ate human food exclusively. Costa attributed Bobi’s old age to his “calm, peaceful” life.
On Bobi’s 31st birthday, in May, his owner threw him a traditional Portuguese birthday party, attended by more than 100 guests, Guinness said.
See the Tragic Battle for Survival of an Abandoned Pregnant Dog: Against All Odds
Juanita, a sweet and innocent dog, found herself abandoned on the streets, struggling to breathe and unable to get up due to a distended belly filled with fluid. Passers-by ignored her plight until Karla Garcia, a kind-hearted individual, came to her rescue and took her to the vet.
The vet immediately recognized the severity of Juanita’s condition and took swift action. Multiple suctioning procedures were performed to remove the fluid from her abdomen, which was putting pressure on her lungs and making it difficult for her to breathe. Despite the challenges she faced, Juanita showed resilience and began to slowly recover with each procedure.
As Juanita grew stronger, her true personality emerged. She was playful, affectionate, and had a wagging tail that never stopped. The vet and her staff were captivated by Juanita’s spirit and made sure she received the best care possible. They even found her a foster home where she could continue her recovery in a warm and loving environment.
With each passing day, Juanita’s progress was evident. Day 14 saw her back to her old self, full of energy and life. Her remarkable journey touched the hearts of everyone who heard her story. She proved that with love and care, no obstacle is insurmountable.
Day 21 marked a significant milestone in Juanita’s journey. Her foster family decided to adopt her and give her a forever home filled with love and security. Juanita’s transformation from a helpless stray to a cherished family member was a testament to the power of compassion and resilience.
Juanita’s story serves as a reminder that there are countless abandoned and neglected animals in need of our help. It only takes one person to make a difference, and Karla Garcia’s act of kindness saved Juanita’s life and brought her the love and care she deserved.
Juanita’s journey from abandonment to a loving home is a beacon of hope for all animals in need. Her story is a testament to the power of compassion, and a reminder that every life is valuable and deserving of love and care. Let Juanita’s story inspire us all to be a voice for the voiceless and make a positive impact in the lives of animals in need. Together, we can create a brighter future for them all.
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